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5 things to know about caffeine powder

The sudden death of a healthy high school senior in Ohio has increased attention on unregulated caffeine powder and the ease of taking a toxic dose. Here's a look at five things to know about the substance:

CAFFEINE POWDER IS EASILY AVAILABLE

Bulk caffeine powder can be easily bought online. Both Amazon and eBay sell the substance. Pouches can start at more than $7, with just over a pound costing about $15. Users add the powder to drinks for a pick-me-up before workouts or to control weight gain.

THIS ISN'T INSTANT COFFEE

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the product is essentially 100 percent caffeine. A teaspoon is roughly equivalent to the amount in 25 cups of coffee. The agency cautions that it's almost impossible for users to accurately measure the powder with kitchen tools, and people can easily take a lethal amount.

Generally, 5 to 10 grams is considered a toxic dose? in adults, while 3 grams can be a toxic dose in children.

Some brands explain the risks in fine print. For instance, labels on Hard Rhino's caffeine powder tell consumers that failing to follow guidelines can result in serious injury or death. "This is PURE CAFFEINE and a little goes a long way," it reads. The suggested use is between 1/32th and 1/16th of a teaspoon. People are encouraged to use a micro scale for precise measurement.

FEDERAL AUTHORITIES WARN CONSUMERS TO AVOID POWDER

The FDA is warning consumers to avoid powdered caffeine, especially people with pre-existing heart conditions. The agency said it is working collect additional information about the powered products and will consider taking regulatory action as appropriate.

CAFFEINE AFFECTS PEOPLE DIFFERENTLY

Responses to caffeine can vary widely, particularly if there are other underlying medical issues, medical experts say. High amounts of caffeine can lead to an increased risk for cardiac arrhythmias, palpitations, seizures, strokes or even death. The FDA has said 400 milligrams of caffeine a day - roughly 20 to 28 ounces of coffee - is generally not dangerous to healthy adults.

CAFFEINE OVERDOSE DEATHS ARE UNCOMMON, NOT UNHEARD OF

There have been at least two deaths associated with caffeine, along with 40 life-threatening events from 2008 to 2012, according to data from the nation's poison control centers. During that period, at least 5,095 people were treated in a health care facility for caffeine exposure. But it's unknown how many of those cases stemmed from caffeine powder.

In 2012, federal health authorities said they were investigating reports of 13 deaths possibly linked to so-called energy shots. The FDA said then it had received 92 reports over four years that cite illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths after consumption of a product marketed as 5-Hour Energy. The agency had also received reports that cited the highly caffeinated Monster Energy Drink in five deaths and one nonfatal heart attack.